Abstract
In Rajasthan, the traditional art forms are windows to the land’s diverse culture and history. Each region reflects its own history, beliefs and ways of life contributing to the rich mosaic of Rajasthani art and culture. From the vibrant Phad paintings and miniature paintings to the intricately designed architecture of havelis and forts as well as folk tales, folk songs and folk dances, these art forms continue to enchant art lovers and critics. The artworks and literature in Rajasthan often depict nature, folk deities, tales of heroism and divinity, geo-cultural specificities and so on, each distinguished by their unique aesthetic elements and themes. Various styles of paintings such as Mewar, Marwar, Bikaner, Jaipur, Bundi and Kishangarh schools fall under the umbrella of miniature paintings that flourished from the beginning of the 16th century down to the 19th century. They are characterized by bright colours and portray not only the life of the local people but Indian divinities and gods, Krishna, Radha and gopis; numerous bhakti cults also became the subjects of these paintings. Kishangarh painting, an 18th century school of the Rajasthani style of Indian painting called Bani Thani originated in the princely state of Kishangarh, is distinguished by its individualistic facial type and its panoramic landscapes transmitting the romantic and religious passion of its patron into visual images. Phad paintings are large scale cloth-paintings illustrating local deities and epic narratives and are a blend of the folk, heroic and religious themes. They are traditionally used in storytelling performances where the painted cloth serves as a backdrop for narrating tales. Rajasthani literature, traversing through centuries, demonstrates its verve in the songs, stories, verses and Bhajans focusing on multiple rasas including vira, shringara and bhakti at the same time. These literary creations date back to the Veer-gatha period inspired by heroic sentiments and were composed by loyal courtiers.
